Viking Hermod

The cabin views are an achievement: 70 of the 95 guest rooms have a floor-to-ceiling window with either a French balcony or a full balcony that seats two. Inside, Staterooms range from 135 to 205 square feet. Beds can be configured in either a twin or queen set-up. Nine Suites offer a sitting area and bedroom, topping out 445 square feet. The mid-range Veranda Stateroom provides good space, and the namesake walkout private veranda is worth considering.

All cabins have heated bathroom floors, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freja bath products, ample USB ports and outlets for 110/220 volts, luxury linens and pillows with the comfy Explorer bed, and a flat-screen TV with movies, shows, and all of the cruise’s information at hand.

Viking is attentive to the accessibility needs of its guests, but narrow river ships can provide challenges. Pathways are narrow on Viking’s river Longships, including hallways and rooms, for those using mobility devices. Wheelchairs need to be no wider than 22 inches. The crew is not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, and guests will need a companion to assist. A glass elevator between the middle and upper deck provides access to the restaurant, lounges, service desk, and all possible disembarking points. However, it does not include the sun deck or the lowest floor of rooms. Guests must complete and return Viking’s Accessibility Form no later than 30 days prior to departure.

Staff provides thorough briefings on what to expect physically and creates strategic small city tour groups to modify paces and paths for mobility.

Staff serve meals in both The Restaurant and the ship’s Aquavit Terrace on the ship’s stern. Both venues operate at set times with open seating, but no reservations are required.

For breakfast, guests in both locations can choose from an omelet station, a buffet of hot and cold dishes, or table service with the day’s specific breakfast menu. Lunch also has table service or buffet options. Daily standards include salads and cheeseburgers along with local dishes. Dinner is a three-course affair. Viking’s signature classics, like the rib eye steak and poached Norwegian salmon, are available every night.

Rotating specialties complement the port, with chef specialties and a daily regional tasting menu (for example, salade de chèvre chaud, coq au vin, and tarte aux Noix du Périgord in Lyon, France.) Some dishes are delicately crafted and delicious, while others are more standard fare.

The Restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, affording sweeping views in what would otherwise be a stuffy setting. Tables are large and shared; there are no tables for two here.

The open-air Aquavit tables seat two to four guests. A shade can extend partway over the deck and provides some protection from dripping water when navigating river locks. These tables are a hot commodity, and many will sip cocktails outside ahead of time to hold down a table.

Complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks are offered with onboard lunches and dinners. Specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available from self-service coffee stations based at both entrances to the lounge area.

For those who would like to upgrade to unlimited beverages, Viking offers a Silver Spirits beverage package for a flat fee per guest. It includes a selection of premium local wines by the glass, cocktails, beers, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks and juices throughout the day, plus an open bar during operating hours. The package must be purchased for the full length of the cruise by all parties sharing a stateroom.

The one bar on the ship is in the lounge, but guests can take drinks anywhere. The range of options is broad for lovers of spirits, and the bartenders will whip up any cocktail you desire.

Typical of most river ships, there are no big shows common on many ocean lines. A ship musician performs nightly in the lounge, crooning along to the piano with crowd favorites. Guest singers, bands, and dancers bring talent and local flair several evenings a week. If you feel like dancing any night of the week, the odds are good you won’t be the only one. The staff remains attentive even after the performances for those wanting to talk into the evening. A few putt-putt golf holes and a shuffleboard court on the sun deck are popular when cruising. At times these are not available when navigating a stretch with low bridges.

The lounge hosts some onboard programming, consisting of destination-centered lectures and presentations and live music performances. “Port Talks,” nightly guest briefings that casually discuss the next day’s agenda and other important cruise announcements, happen here too.

All cabins and staterooms have a flat-screen TV with an infotainment system, where you can choose from a selection of live TV channels, complimentary movies on demand, and in-house programming.

Viking Longships do not have spa or fitness facilities in order to maximize living quarters for guests. The sun deck does have a full walking track with panoramic views. Most ports of call have excursion offerings with higher activity levels, like hiking, or kayaking, or walking tours.

The ship’s concierge services are also happy to help connect guests with reservations for spa and fitness services in their ports.